Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère
Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère is a classic French quiche featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a rich custard, smoky bacon, and nutty Gruyère cheese. This versatile dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting dinner, offering a timeless flavor combination that’s both simple to make and sure to impress.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free (if crust is gluten-free or omitted)
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
Bacon
Cheese
- 1 to 1.5 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Custard Filling
- 3 whole eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Press the dough firmly along the edges and poke the bottom a few times with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes to help it maintain its shape during baking.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is just set and lightly golden. This step prevents sogginess when adding the custard.
- Cook the Bacon: While the crust is baking, cook 6-8 strips of bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. The smoky saltiness enhances the quiche’s flavor.
- Grate the Gruyère Cheese: Grate about 1 to 1.5 cups of Gruyère cheese. This nutty, meltable cheese will enrich the custard filling and add depth to the dish.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 whole eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined to achieve a silky custard texture.
- Assemble the Quiche: Evenly spread the cooked bacon over the blind-baked crust, then sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese on top. Carefully pour the egg and cream custard mixture over the fillings, making sure not to overflow the pan.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the quiche at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center, and the top should turn lightly golden with a creamy filling.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the quiche to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps firm the filling and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use cold eggs and dairy to create a smooth custard and prevent toughness.
- Do not overfill the crust to avoid spillover and ensure even baking.
- Pre-cook bacon and any veggies to prevent excess moisture and a soggy crust.
- Blind baking the crust is essential for a crisp, sturdy base.
- Let the quiche rest after baking to stabilize the filling and enhance flavor development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of quiche)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Quiche Lorraine, Bacon quiche, Gruyère quiche, French quiche, brunch recipe, savory pie, custard quiche